D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood

Introduction
How would D.C. or Puerto Rico become a state?
- Washington, D.C.
- Puerto Rico
- Other inhabited unincorporated U.S. territories
Pros
- Pro 1: D.C. residents are American citizens who are treated like second-class citizens.
- Pro 2: Puerto Rico residents are American citizens who are treated like second-class citizens.
- Pro 3: Denying D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood is a racist and partisan ploy to deny voting rights to about 3.9 million voters.
Cons
- Con 1: D.C. was never intended to be a U.S. state.
- Con 2: Puerto Rico was never intended to be a U.S. state.
- Con 3: Granting D.C. or Puerto Rico statehood is a partisan ploy by Democrats to unfairly gain more voters for the passage of legislation that they can’t win approval for under existing laws and the existing 50-state Union.
Assessment quiz
1-minute survey
Discussion questions
Sources

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Puerto Rico flag

Flag of Washington, D.C.

Hawaiian statehood

The Jefferson Memorial is seen across the Tidal Basin, framed by blooming pink cherry blossom branches in Washington, D.C., with the monument reflected in the water.

Aerial view of beachfront hotels lining the shore between the turquoise waters of Condado Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Tutuila Island in American Samoa

D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood: Media

Should Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico be U.S. states?

Images

Puerto Rico flag

Puerto Rico flag

Should Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico be granted U.S. statehood?

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Flag of Washington, D.C.

Flag of Washington, D.C.

Should Washington, D.C., be granted U.S. statehood?

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Hawaiian statehood

Hawaiian statehood

Girls celebrating the statehood of Hawaii, 1959.

Photograph by George Bacon courtesy of the Hawaii State Archives; George Bacon Photograph Collection

The Jefferson Memorial is seen across the Tidal Basin, framed by blooming pink cherry blossom branches in Washington, D.C., with the monument reflected in the water.

Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin viewed through cherry blossom branches in Washington, D.C.

Should Washington, D.C., become a U.S. state?

© SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

Aerial view of beachfront hotels lining the shore between the turquoise waters of Condado Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Should Puerto, Rico, become a U.S. state?

© Laurie Chamberlain—Corbis Documentary/Getty Images

Tutuila Island in American Samoa

Tutuila Island in American Samoa

Mountains rise up from the harbor of Pago Pago on Tutuila Island in American Samoa.

David Moore/Black Star

VIEW MORE in these related Britannica articles: